10 Things to do this weekend

MEET. When the kids are out of school on Monday, they have a chance to greet Christopher Paul Curtis, author of "BUD, NOT BUDDY." Mr. Curtis is one of the leading African-American children's authors and a winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award. Chicago Children's Theatre is performing "Bud, Not Buddy," above, through February. Jan. 21, 1 p.m. Free, but reservations must be made by Jan. 18. 10 S. Dearborn St., (872) 222-9555, chicagochildrenstheatre.org/cpc

Photo

LAUGH. You may not have heard comedian PAUL REISER much since his "Mad About You" days, but he's been keeping busy, including work on "Unusual Suspects," a musical album with British singer/songwriter Julia Fordham. He brings his new act to Zanies in Rosemont this weekend. Jan. 18, 8 p.m. and Jan. 19, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. 5437 Park Pl., (847) 813-0484, www.zanies.com

Photo

SIP. Vera wine director Elizabeth Mendez will help you experience sunny Spain from this side of the pond during a SALUTE TO SHERRY at the restaurant. She will showcase the different fortified wines the restaurant serves, paired with everything from appetizers to desserts. Jan. 19, noon. Cost is $40, reservations required. 1023 W. Lake St., (312) 243-9770, www.verachicago.com/classes

Photo

WATCH. The Den Theatre's run of "FAITH HEALER" has been extended due to popular demand. So, you have extra opportunities to see the play about an Irish healer, told through four monologues. Jan. 18-19, 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 20, 3 p.m. Tickets are $28. 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave., (773) 398-7028, www.thedentheatre.com

BELLY UP. Former Chicago Cub Kerry Wood, other Cubs players and celebrities will tend bar at Harry Caray's Tavern Navy Pier. The occasion is the second annual WOODY'S WINTER WARM-UP CELEBRITY MIXER, which offers three hours of imbibing with the famous bartenders for a good cause. Jan. 18, 8:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Tickets are $150, proceeds benefit the Wood Family Foundation. 700 E. Grand Ave., (312) 924-9234, www.woodfamilyfoundation.org

HONOR. Chicago Sinfonietta continues its milestone 25th anniversary season with its "ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR." You can choose between a Sunday show in Naperville at Wentz Concert Hall, or Monday in the city at Symphony Center. Jan. 20, 3 p.m. and Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $26-$50. 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville or 220 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 236-3681, ext. 2, www.chicagosinfonietta.org

THINK. What does "home" mean to you? Explore the idea when the "OPEN HOUSE: ART ABOUT HOME" exhibit opens at the Elmhurst Art Museum. The show is inspired by the museum's own home: a mid-century modern house designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., opening reception. Jan. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Museum admission is $5 adults, $3 students and seniors. 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst, (630) 834-0202, www.elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Photo

EXPLORE. It isn't just in summer when the forest preserves are worth a stroll with the family. Head to the Crabtree Nature Center for a WINTER WONDERS SCAVENGER HIKE, where you can look for winter animal tracks, touch animal fur, explore the preserves and meet its residents. Jan. 20, 1 p.m. 3 Stover Rd., Barrington, (847) 381-6592, fpdcc.com/events

Photo

REVISIT. Substitute teacher Dorothy Zbornak may only be on TV in reruns, but "MIAMI NICE: A GOLDEN GIRLS MUSICAL" brings those perky Floridians to the Windy City. The Gorilla Tango Theatre performance takes a different direction than the beloved series, with tales of cocaine distribution and other plot twists — plus, of course, music. Jan. 18-19, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., (773) 598-4549, www.gorillatango.com

Your cell phone can make calls as well as text and take photos: Use it to phone ahead as event schedules and availability change. Send your weekend tips in an e-mail (without attachments) with the date in the subject line to [email protected].

Would you like to be notified via email of our weekly "10 Things to Do" column? Click here to sign up.